Heroes of the Week: Mountain Mule Packer Ranch and the Cajun Navy 2016

Throughout the week, our ACC Team searches through emails and news articles looking for someone who deserves to be the Hero of the Week… Find out how you can nominate a Hero of the Week at the bottom of the page.

Many areas of North Carolina, affected by Hurricane Helene, are still cut off from the rest of state due to the roads being deemed impassable or they have completely washed away.

Mountain Mule Packer Ranch and the Cajun Navy 2016 are two organizations that have been working together to get supplies into those areas. They’ve been climbing through tough terrain with mules. You may have seen some of the images on the news – a caravan of mules packed with supplies going up mountains.

One man – Mr. Neal – needed ice for his insulin. The mule team made the trek through the mountain to reach Mr. Neal. When they got there, they found him waiting at the end of his driveway for that ice! The folks at the Cajun Navy said that he clearly was thrilled to see some help arrive at his doorstep.

Not all of the paths up these mountains, where families are stranded, are cleared. The folks at Mountain Mule Packer Ranch said some locals were able to clear paths through the woods to allow the mules to travel back and forth. The Mule Packers specialize in high altitude, extreme terrain supply trains. They have delivered clothes, food, cooking supplies, and more over the last week, and they plan to continue to do so.

Learn more about this story as covered by People.

Kix’s Response:

Our thoughts are with all those who have lost everything due to this storm. But, I’d like to take this time to recognize these volunteers – the Mountain Mule Packers and the Cajun Navy 2016 – as our ACC Heroes.

There are so many ways to help in the rescue efforts. From the Red Cross to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, they’re gonna need our help for years to come.

Nominate a Hero of the Week

Now, we want to know who has made a difference in your life. Nominate a local firefighter, police officer, EMT or someone who is serving our country in the military. It could even be a neighbor, family member or friend who lent a crucial helping hand. Let us know all about the person who you feel is a real life hero by emailing us here and please feel free to send us a picture!